Harvard president's dig at Trump with 'around the world' remark gets standing ovation

During Harvard University's commencement ceremony, President Alan Garber took a jibe at Donald Trump and received a standing ovation after he opened his address by celebrating the presence of students "from around the world". This comes as the Donald Trump administration has been targeting the enrolment of international students at the institution.

Garber's opening lines drew loud applause from the crowd at the historic Tercentenary Theatre in Harvard Yard. "To the class of 2025, from down the street, across the country and around the world," he said, pausing to allow the cheers to rise. "Around the world, just as it should be."

Just days earlier, the White House attempted to block Harvard from enroling international students and cancelled an additional USD 100 million in federal contracts with the university.

The remarks came amid escalating tensions between Harvard and the Trump administration. On Wednesday, the US Department of Homeland Security sent Harvard a notice of intent to withdraw its certification under a federal program that allows the enrolment of non-US students. A federal judge responded by announcing she would issue an order to block the administration’s move from taking immediate effect.

By Thursday, the White House had stepped back from its initial plan, saying Harvard would now have 30 days to contest the withdrawal through a formal administrative process.

Throughout the commencement ceremony, speakers from the student body, faculty, and keynote guests addressed the broader climate of political hostility, urging resilience and reaffirming the university's commitment to inclusion and global scholarship.